Pictured: Why not to put your phone and hammer in the same handbag!

Want to sell computers, smartphones and that old iPad? Our favourite sellers are those delightful folks who use screen protectors, don’t drop their old Kindle in the loo and never leave home without a well-fitted device cover! Most of these tips are fairly straightforward, but stick with us!

• Research before you buy

If you’re a farmer with a habit of dropping your phone in the mud, an Apple iPhone 4S might not be the best buy! Take a look at your lifestyle and what your smartphone, tablet or electronic gizmo actually needs to accomplish. Are you happy with the features and design? Would you be better off with a smartphone or a bog standard old Nokia 3210? What kind of insurance coverage might you need?

• Protect your screen

Screen protectors are cheap, a pain in the arse to apply but ultimately worth the bother. When you sell iPads and other touchscreen bits and bobs we LOVE those of you who’ve taken care of your screens. For those folks who don’t bother, you’re leaving your screens open to grease, scratches and teeny tiny bits of detritus that can damage the screen and lessen the saleability of the device.

• Invest in a case

We love latex and silicone cases and covers – anything that’s soft, supportive and great for absorbing accidental drops and scrapes. You don’t need to fork out loads of money for a branded case, so that’s no excuse!

• Clean your device regularly

A tissue or microfiber cloth is all you need to clean out those troublesome little nooks and crannies and keep your devices in top working order. So give that old iPad a gentle weekly wipe!

• Get into some good habits about where you keep your device at home, in transit and at work

We buy consoles, tablets and all kinds of gadgets, but sometimes even we don’t take our own advice when it comes to keeping our gadgets safe. The best habits are all about assessing the pros and cons and FORCING yourself to stick to them until they’re second nature. The ladies in our office say their cardinal sin is letting their smartphones and tablets trundle about in their handbags against keys and whatever else is lurking all sharp and edges in those mysterious black holes!

Want to sell iPads and whatever else you’ve got lying around? We buy heaps of different bits and bobs so you can get paid, then upgrade (or buy more lolcats!)